Thread: Carba-Tec MS-R Sliding Router Table

Ok, I've looked around the forum some more and it seems the forum has been through this before around 2003. I haven't gleened any specifics or help but gather the MS-R fence is considered a dog and unredeamable.

Would still like to hear of any experiences with the MS-R. If the thing is NBG why is it still being sold by a number of businesses in 2008? I may seek return of my money.

Has anyone tried (successfully) modifying the fence in any way or adapted another fence to the table - a Triton fence for example?

I have the same unit although not a carbatec one.
The fence is a pig. I replaced it with a Incra unit.
Although I still use mine my recomendation is is return it get a refund if you can.
Build your own table get the Incra fence.

Al

Thanks Al. I will try to return - will probably depend upon the fine print in the warranty. As a matter of interest what Incra fence did you choose as the replacement?

Ian

Carba-Tec have been great to deal with. At first tried to fix the problem with the fence and I must say got it pretty close. However as I was still not happy that it would give me the degree of accuracy and repeatability I require they agreed to my request for a refund. Thanks and good on ya David and Alfredo.

So back to the drawing board!

From my research of the past few days it would seem a build-my-own is most likely to provide the best outcome. I note from this forum that good quality components are available for purchase in Australia and there are many great ideas for the cabnet and storage. So pending some further research on options and cost a BMO is probably the way I will proceed.

Does anyone out there have any advice on how and where I may be able to save some $'s on the purchase of quality components - at this stage I'm thinking Incra. I have the 1000SE and it is superb. The router I will use is the big Triton TRA001.

That's a great outcome at C/tec, good to see companies doing the right thing by their customers.

Professional Woodworkers Supplies, the sponsors of this forum, have some great router plates. I have the phenolic one, they also make an aluminium one.

The Incra LS System, either 17" or 25", is superb. It comes together with the Wonderfence and I am extremely happy with mine.I have the 17" Incra, probably would go for the 25" one if I were to do it again.

Together with your Triton TRA001, that should give you all you need, other than decent dust extraction. With that router, you certainly don't need a router lift, it is so easy to adjust the height and change bits above the table.

After owning a Triton router table I decided to build my own and have never regretted it. I have never seen a commercial router table that I would like to own.

Thanks Big Shed for your comments. I have spent hours researching over the past few days and have decided to go with the Incra LS-17" and will purchase the 1100x700 table top to go with it. Can't go any bigger - guess my nick name should be Small Shop or even Tiny Shop.

In terms of support for the table top I would like to build something similar to your design which is very impressive - plagiarism is the best form of compliment.

However, I have some questions-

1. Can you provide any more info on the aluminium clips and how you installed them to secure the table top so that it can be easily removed?

2. Now that you have found it necessary to fully enclose the router for improved DC control is there anything fundamental in your initial design of the cabinets that you would change other than the obvious additions you have made?

3. You have mentioned some improvement to the above table dust collection efficiency would be good. Does that mean that the through
fence DC feature of the wonderfence is not up to it?

4. With hindsight, now that your TRA001 router is fully enclosed, and with cost to one side for now, what are your current thoughts on the convenience of a unilift for height adjustment v the under table adjustment capability of the TRA001?

Thanks Big Shed for your comments. I have spent hours researching over the past few days and have decided to go with the Incra LS-17" and will purchase the 1100x700 table top to go with it. Can't go any bigger - guess my nick name should be Small Shop or even Tiny Shop.

In terms of support for the table top I would like to build something similar to your design which is very impressive - plagiarism is the best form of compliment.

It is!

However, I have some questions-

1. Can you provide any more info on the aluminium clips and how you installed them to secure the table top so that it can be easily removed?

The aluminium "clips" are only bits of 25mm aluminium angle, screwed to the underside of the top, they push fit into the frame, all very stable (helped by the weight of course)

2. Now that you have found it necessary to fully enclose the router for improved DC control is there anything fundamental in your initial design of the cabinets that you would change other than the obvious additions you have made?

Probably would have incorporated the addition into the original structure a bit more elegantly.

3. You have mentioned some improvement to the above table dust collection efficiency would be good. Does that mean that the through
fence DC feature of the wonderfence is not up to it?

No, the Wonderfence dust collection works OK, especially if hooked up to the Shopvac.
I was referring to above table dust collection when doing things like template following, where the Wonderfence does not come in to play.

4. With hindsight, now that your TRA001 router is fully enclosed, and with cost to one side for now, what are your current thoughts on the convenience of a unilift for height adjustment v the under table adjustment capability of the TRA001?

Honestly, until you use the under table adjustment of the TRA001, you don't appreciate how easy it is. The only additional step now is that I have to open the doors, not a problem. I would stress that I used the 235 deg (I think that's right) opening hinges to ge me a bit more elbow space. Even if I had bought the Unilift, I would still be faced with going under the table to lock/unlock the switch for above table bit changing.

Not knocking the Unilift, I can't I have never used one. I just feel that it would be very difficult to improve the setup I have. I think if I had the US style of router (non-plunge) without above tablee bit changing I would be buying a Unilift for sure.

With the Triton TRA001 it could well hinder rather than help, as there would be more bits to get in your way of getting to the switch.

Hope that helps, feel free to ask more questions if needed.

Thanks Big Shed - it's very helpful.

Now for some action!

I have the LS 17 and wonderfence with imperial measurements. Haven't bothered with the metric ones. Good to hear you were able to return the table.

H,
I have just acquired a Carbatec MS-R router table, the table is assembled, but have got the fences in bits, does anyone have any pictures of how it looks and what goes where. Have no instructions with it. Your help ls appreciated
Thanks
Bob